Dam Breaching

by Edward Fisk
Idaho Statesman, February 3, 2007

Rocky Barker's article of Jan. 20, indicated that a "Canadian scientist" has obtained preliminary data that brings into question whether breaching the lower Snake River dams is that important for salmon recovery. Also, that we should look to the ocean, and its changing conditions, if we want to understand what is happening to our salmon.

Those for breaching have mainly based their case on the majority opinion of our biologists (scientists). Those against breaching can now point to this new Canadian information to strengthen their contentions. However, I still have a hard time getting excited about breaching because when the dams did not prevent the record runs from 2001 through 2004, I had to conclude that the dams were not "the limiting factor" in salmon recovery. Those that are for breaching should realize that ocean conditions are determining the size of our salmon runs. Always have -- always will.